Car accidents can have life-altering consequences for the victim. The Traffic Safety Annual Report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that close to 2,740,000 people suffered injuries due to traffic crashes in the United States in 2019. In most cases, the victim’s injuries are apparent after a car accident like bruises or burns.
However, in some cases, the injuries and the extent of the injuries may take several days or weeks to appear. Hence, it is advisable to get a medical examination done by a doctor after a car accident.
Why You Should Go to a Doctor After a Car Accident
Victims of car accidents often try to minimize the situation and avoid going to the doctor. There are two major reasons why it is necessary to visit a doctor after an accident:
For the Victim’s Health and Safety
The symptoms of a serious injury sometimes do not appear right after the accident. For instance, a victim who suffered a concussion may not feel any symptoms after the accident. A doctor will advise on the post-accident care required. For example, the doctor will ask you to avoid risky activities like lifting heavy objects or twisting the injured organ.
For Legal Purposes
Medical bills and reports form important pieces of evidence in a car accident case. These documents help the victim determine the extent of the actual costs incurred and build a credible case against the at-fault party.
The Importance of Medical Evidence in a Car Accident Claim
Consulting a doctor immediately after an accident allows the victim to gather crucial medical evidence in a car accident case. The medical evidence includes incident reports from the accident site, doctor’s notes, diagnosis, treatment, medical bills, and estimated costs of future medical care.
In a car accident claim, it is upon the victim to establish the alleged at-fault party’s negligence. To prove negligence, the victim must establish that the at-fault party breached the duty of care owed and caused the accident. Medical evidence can be the basis of a lawsuit or an insurance claim. An attorney can gather available medical evidence and build a case out of the same.
How an Attorney Can Use Medical Evidence in a Car Accident Case
Medical evidence serves three primary purposes for the plaintiff’s attorney in a car accident case.
- First, it establishes a connection between the accident and the injuries.
- Second, it reveals the extent of the injuries and the immediate harm caused by the injuries.
- Third, it shows the long-term effect that the injuries may have on a person’s life.
All these things help an attorney in building a strong case against the alleged at-fault party and make a fair claim for compensation.
What Happens if I Don’t See a Doctor After My Car Accident?
Failure to see a doctor after an accident can cause further medical and legal damage to the victim. The victim may suffer more harm if they don’t get proper medical treatment. Further, the alleged at-fault party or the insurance company might instead blame the victim for the injuries. They might claim that the failure to see a doctor in time caused the injuries. This may have a significant negative impact on the value of the victim’s claim.
Contact an Indiana Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in an Indiana car accident, reach out to our team of Indiana car accident attorneys at Stewart & Stewart. Our seasoned attorneys will help you gather important pieces of medical evidence required for your claim and fight tirelessly to get you the compensation that you deserve.